Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/5/21): Rockies 6, Cubs 5 – Cubs Hear Scary Story in Loss

The Cubs were hoping to win their first series since beginning their rebuild in earnest, but it was not meant to be on Thursday as they lost a close one to Colorado.

The Rockies jumped on Jake Arrieta immediately, launching three solo home runs the first four innings. The home team held a 4-0 lead entering the top of the 5th inning with starter Antonio Senzatela cruising along.

It was at that point the Cubs offense awoke from their afternoon nap. Rafael Ortega singled home the first run and Willson Contreras doubled in two more. Ian Happ had the final single to knot the game at four.

Colorado did not wait long to retake the advantage. Trevor Story hit a two run homer, his second of the game, off of reliever Jake Jewell to put his team up 6-4 in the bottom of the inning. A Frank Schwindel RBI hit cut the lead to 6-5 in the top of the 6th.

That was all the Cubs offense would muster the rest of the day and Chicago went down in defeat. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

Arrieta again put his team in an early hole and the Cubs could not score late runs to grab the lead.

Key Moment 

The Cubs really wish that the Rockies had been able to trade Story, because his power was the difference in today’s victory.

Stats That Matter

  • It was another clunker for Arrieta: 4 IP, 4 R, 9 H, 2 K, and 0 BB.
  • Ortega had two more hits and extended his hitting streak to seven games.
  • Schwindel also had a pair of hits.

Bottom Line

I think we’ve all seen enough of Arrieta. His ERA is above six and he’s not showing any signs that he’s going to be a valuable piece going forward. It’s past time to let Justin Steele and Keegan Thompson go out there and show what they have.

On Deck

The Cubs return home to kick off the Crosstown Cup against the first-place White Sox Friday at 1:20pm CT. It’s a battle of aces between Lance Lynn and Kyle Hendricks that can be seen on MLB Network (out of market only) or Marquee Sports Network and listened to on 670 The Score.

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